Generally, your septic system consists of a septic tank and drainfield, and in some cases, a pump tank for those that cannot gravity feed the drainfield. Septic systems can last for decades, if properly maintained along with some helpful tips and insights that all homeowners should know.

Typically, a 3-bedroom home with 2,250 square feet or less has a 900-gallon septic tank. The septic tank receives all the wastewater from a house. This includes showers, toilets, washing machine, dishwasher and sinks. According to the American Water Works Association, the average person uses about 70 gallons per day on average. Family of 4 would add 280 gallons per day. So imagine how quickly your septic tank will fill up and how much water must flow through the tank to reach the drain field.

What most people don’t realize is that all household solids or waste also collect in this tank. Solids left in the septic tank consist of things like toilet paper, human waste, food from the garbage, lint and hair from the washing machine or shower, as well as unexpected things that children or guests might flush down the toilet. These elements will accumulate and become a layer of sludge at the bottom of the tank. This layer can rise in the tank and travel to the drainfield lines, which begins to cause the drainfield to fail and causes sewage to back up into your home or garden.

Many times, homeowners will see ads for bacterial additives that claim to break down the sludge layer and make it disappear. But, don’t be fooled. The only way to remove waste from your septic tank is to pump it out. Why risk ruining your drain field? It is the most expensive component of your system. Protect it by emptying your septic tank every three to five years, depending on the number of people living in the home.

Here are some other tips homeowners should know to protect their system:

• Homeowners should check faucets and toilets for leaks.
• Homeowners who do a lot of laundry, such as those with young children, should try to space out their laundry throughout the week.
• Skip the all-day laundry marathon on Saturday. Excessive water consumption can lead to drain field failure.
• Know the location of the septic tank system to avoid running a vehicle over the system.
• Avoid planting trees and shrubs on or near the septic system. Homeowners often mistakenly plant trees near a drainage field. Roots will infiltrate the drainfield system due to the easy water source and grow into the pipes.
• Another helpful tip is to avoid placing an irrigation system near your drainfield or sump tank. Water from the irrigation system can over-saturate your drain field. Also, if you have a metering tank, the water can erode your high water alarm circuit board.

By consistently pumping out your septic tank, and by following these important tips, you can help avoid costly backups and also increase the life of your system.